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SAN JUAN COUNTY COMMISSIONERS |
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Voters to choose either Stephens or Myhrposted 09/01/05
In separate interviews Monday, August 29, the two primary candidates expressed their views on executive sessions, misconceptions, guesthouses, county managers, why they believe they are the better candidate for the job and how to deal with angry citizens. The candidates are similar in many ways, but are at different stages in their lives. Myhr is retired and has three grown children. Stephens is working and has two children in high school. Both men are alike in respect to the BOCC meeting in executive (closed door) session. Stephens said, "I think they do that too much. The more work done in the open, the better." Myhr said, "I want to make sure it is a really open process. I'd try to err on the side of openness." The BOCC should only need to meet in executive session for very limited purposes, he said. Recently the BOCC has been taken to task by different groups of citizens angry over various decisions. Both candidates believe they have the ability to make difficult decisions. Stephens said, "As commissioner you have to make tough decisions." He's concerned some recent decisions have been made without looking at the big picture consequences. "It takes a balanced point of view and looking at how that decision affects others down the road," he said. "There will be angry people, there is no way to avoid it. Part of making it better would be "to get the stakeholders in the room" to hear the facts long before decisions are made. Myhr said, " My view is I listen to lots of points of view. I would listen long and hard." After considering the facts, he would be comfortable making the difficult decisions, he said. Both men believe the timing is ideal for serving on the Board of County Commissioners (BOCC). Myhr would use his knowledge about the islands he gained through his work with the San Juan Preservation Trust and OPALCO. His contacts with state legislators and federal congressional members would be an asset, he said. He is comfortable testifying and lobbying before both state and federal agencies and is on a first-name basis with the three state legislators. Stephens said the time is right for him to draw on his experiences and to focus on county issues. With two children in high school, he and his wife are tied down and not likely to be taking long trips. Both men noted their experience in both non-profit and for profit businesses. Stephens moved to Lopez 10 years ago when he purchased Edenwild Inn. When he sold the business, he purchased the property in Lopez Village. He deals with small businesses every day, there are 10 small businesses in the buildings he owns. He says the label of developer, opponents have attached to him is inaccurate. Even before he sells a parcel to the LOHO project at below market value, he still wouldn't be in the top 25 percent of property owners on Lopez, he said. One example of Stephens non-profit experience is his work with the Lopez Community Center for the Arts. He was on the board and helped the "transition from a building board to an operating board." He also works with the Family Resource Center. Myhr ran one of the most visible non-profits in the island for 17 years - the San Juan Preservation Trust. HE said the misconception people have about him is that he is a one-issue candidate and only cares about conservation. Because the Trust was an apolitical organization, he stayed out of politics when he was the director. He retired as executive director in 2002. He serves on the Orcas Power and Light Cooperative (OPALCO). Before moving to Lopez 20 years ago, he worked for the Weyerhaeuser Company. "I've worked in businesses and non-profits," he said. "I've managed budgets in both sectors." He serves on other non-profit boards including the Lopez Library, the Davis Head Homeowners' Association, the Lopez Lions Club and the San Juan Islands Audubon Society. Regarding the ongoing litigation with the Friends of the San Juans concerning detached guesthouses, Myhr believes the county does need "some kind of limitation on size and location (of detached guesthouses)." He doesn't understand the legal details enough to have an opinion on whether the BOCC should try to settle with the FOSJ quickly before the state Court of Appeals hands down its decision. He said, Prosecutor Randy Gaylord said there are still options open to the county if they lose in the Court of Appeals. Stephens believes the county should wait for the court's decision and abide by it. He believes residents want the ability to construct guesthouses. He noted more than 70 percent voted that way last year on an advisory ballot. He said he knows of one case where a homeowner had plans for a very aesthetically pleasing small guesthouse. Because of the moratorium, the homeowner ended up putting a trailer on his property for use as a guesthouse. Regarding the appointment of a county manager/administrator, Stephens said, "It could be helpful but not at the $200,000 estimated cost." The new accounting system should make a big difference in how the financial departmnents operate, he said. If the Eden system works as planned, everyone will have real numbers in real time to base decisions on. "I'm not opposed to a (county manager)," he said. "I have more of a wait and see attitude. The budget is tight enough." Myhr is interested in hiring a person to help manage the county. If the BOCC did hire an administrator, Myhr believes the administrator must have the authority to hire and fire the department heads. The administrator might be needed to just cover certain departments, he said. He's not interested in creating another layer of government. A lot of the BOCC's time is taken up with growth related issues. Myhr said he served on the steering committee for the comprehensive plan and understands the process. As volunteer manager of a 32-home Class A water system, he has learned much about water issues. Stephens worked on the Lopez Urban Growth Area plans for several years. He noted the misconception that he was doing it for personal benefit is incorrect. The density for the property he owns was already established before he became involved in the planning process. Stephens experience with the type of water issues the county faces is based on his two years as chair of the Lopez Water committee. The committee members gathered the necessary scientific data before making recommendations. Stephens believes his experience with the water committee is a good example of why voters should choose him. "That's one all of us can hang our hat on," he said. "There was a lot of pressure and angst. We decided we needed to do the science ourselves. It took two years but we ended up all in agreement." Myhr believes he is the right man for the job. "I have the energy, expericence and skills." he said. He wants to help families make it on the islands. He wants his children and grandchildren to be able to know and love the islands. Affordability and low paying jobs are issues that need to be dealt with. One of his concerns is the terrible effect methamphetamine use is having on individuals and families. He served on a meth trial a few years ago and it left an "imprint in his mind." He said, "There is no place for it in this county." BOCC decides not to decideposted 08/09/05
The primary ballots will be mailed out August 31, 2005. Each registered voter will receive both a Republican and Democratic Party ballot. Voters in San Juan Island School District will receive three ballots - Democratic, Republican and non-partisan - because there is a levy proposal on the ballot. In order to vote for either Myhr or Stephens, a voter must use the Democratic ballot. While no declaration of party membership is required, "affiliation with the major party will be inferred by the act of voting on the ballot," according to Elections Supervisor Dan Gillespie. The election will be certified approximately 10 days after September 20. The commissioners have 60 days from July 31, 2005 to appoint a commissioner. If the deadline is not met, the decision is made by the governor. No decision yet, commissioners resume discussion Aug. 9posted 11:15 a.m. 08/04/05
His motion was not seconded by Ranker. Noting the divisiveness, Ranker adjourned the meeting until next Tuesday during the regular Board of County Commissioners meeting. No decision yet, commissioners resume discussion Aug. 4updated 11:35 a.m. posted 08/03/05
Lichter, Ranker resume appointment discussion Wednesdayposted 08/03/05
After reviewing the candidates qualifications in executive session, the two commissioners resumed their discussion in open. Lichter explained what he was considering. | |
Commissioner Ranker emphasized the need for someone who can build consensus. Each candidate was asked about their consensus building skills during the interviews. Stephens mentioned his work as chair of the Lopez Abbreviated Coordinated Water System and with the development of the Lopez skatepark. Lehman cited his work as the county and town employee union leader, his time on the Lopez Island School Board as two examples of his consensus building. Myhr spoke about his work on the seven-member OPALCO board as an example of consensus building. As director of the San Juan Preservation Trust for 17 years he worked with property owners on many different projects. The candidates were asked questions about growth, county manager, hiring, revenue, caps on housing sizes, sense of humor and propensity to wear a tie. |
Lee Lehman
Bob Myhr
Jamie Stephens |
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Growth can't be stopped but should be managed, they all said. They all have a sense of humor and no one thought a cap on housing sizes was a wise move. Myhr and Stephens thought if the county hired a manager/administrator, that person should be given the power to hire department heads. Lehman said the ability to hire should remain with the commissioners. Regarding the hiring of a county manager, Lehman was "not wild about the idea." Determining why someone would become county manager would be important. He said, "Why it is you want to do this? When a person takes this job, it could be for all kinds of things - money, ego, power - we don’t really know...I am concerned on being able to discern what those motivations are and that they are in the best interest of the community." Myhr would hire a grant writer rather than a county manager if given a choice. "I think the issue of an administraor has come up in the last three or four years. I am not positive I fully understand the administrative burden the commissioners face." Stephens said, "The cost would be $200,000. It needs to be a well defined position. It can be very hard to fire." Stephens first choice to replace Millerposted 07/26/05
The selection was voted on by the precinct committee officers from the entire county although the candidates all had to live in District Three. Each of the candidates gave a five minute presentation and then responded to questions by the audience. The candidates had previously gone through an extensive review process which included individual interviews and questionnaires about island issues. Commissioners Miller and Kevin Ranker and county Prosecutor Randy Gaylord also attended the meeting. Commissioner Alan Lichter had to attende a memorial service off-island. Democratic State Chairman Paul Paul Berendt attended as parliamentarian. The final tally was eight votes for Stephens, two for Leman and two for Myhr. The tie for second was broken by a 6 to 5 vote in favor of Lehman. The BOCC is scheduled to consider the replacement on August 2, 2005. Commissioners Lichter and Ranker make the choice. The selection process is mandated by the State Constitution. According to RCW 36.32.070: Whenever there is one vacancy in the office of county commissioner, the two remaining commissioners shall fill the vacancy. If the two commissioners fail to agree upon a selection after the expiration of five days from the day the vacancy occurred, the governor shall appoint the third commissioner. However the state Constitution Article II, Section 15 states: ... shall be one of three persons who shall be nominated by the county central committee of that party, and in case a majority of said county commissioners do not agree upon the appointment within sixty days after the vacancy occurs, the governor shall within thirty days thereafter ... Deputy Civil Prosecutor Karen Vedder told the BOCC, the state Constitution trumps the RCWs and the commissioners have 60 days to name a replacement. If the commissioners chose to take that long, it would cause logistical problems for the primary and general election. Miller's position will be on the ballot. Candidates wanting to file can do so during a special filing period August 1-3, 2005. The commissioners hope to make their decision before the filing period is over. Jamie Stephens submits name for commissioner positionposted 07/08/05
PRESS RELEASEJamie Stephens, a small business owner and community booster, has lived with his wife and two children--Jessica, 16 and Dan 14, in Lopez Village for the past nine years. His wife serves on the Lopez Island School Board and both children attend Lopez School. "My experiences as a business owner and community volunteer have given me a greater understanding of what makes this County a special place, and the challenge we face to maintain it in the context of inevitable change." Stephens currently serves on the Fisherman Bay Water Association Board and chaired the Committee for the Abbreviated Coordinated Water System Plan for the Lopez UGA for the two years of its existence. The committee, made up of a cross section of community members, engineers, and County health officials, achieved consensus on a plan that accounts for anticipated growth, provides for continuous monitoring of supply, and preservation of the nearshore environment fed by the island's groundwater. The Plan was presented to the BOCC and adopted with few modifications. He has been an active player in the GMA planning and compliance process. "I believe that clear and effective planning is one of the keys to maintaining the islands lifestyle." Stephens is also currently serving on the Boards of the Family Resource Center and the Lopez Lions Club. He has also served on the Boards of the Lopez Chamber of Commerce and the Lopez Center for Community and the Arts (LCCA). He was the catalyst that put together a cooperative effort to build a skate park which was completed almost entirely by volunteers. "My work with these organizations has strengthened my ability to achieve consensus, plan effectively, exercise fiscal responsibility, and see projects through to completion. Successes have been gained through a blend of creativity, soliciting input, research and analysis." Through his involvement with the Lopez Lions Club, Jamie has chaired the 4th of July Parade on Lopez for several years. Jamie served as Chair of Commissioner Rhea Miller's successful 2002 re-election campaign. While serving on the Board of the LCCA, he chaired the operations committee, which guided it in the transition from a building project to an operating entity by establishing policies, procedures, and rate structures for usage and performances. He helped secure the adjacent Sally Bill property and helped administer leases to Fertile Ground community garden, the Farmers Market, and the Lopez Children's Center. He and his wife personally donated trees and waterway sculpting for Sally's Garden. He has been a strong supporter of the San Juan Preservation Trust, Lopez Housing Options (LOHO), Cascade Conservation Partnership, and the Lopez Community Land Trust. Bob Myhr applies for San Juan County Commissioner positionposted 07/08/05
PRESS RELEASECommissioner Miller recommendeded that the choice of her successor take into consideration several factors. Myhr considers himself well qualified in these factors: 1. Be a strong presence - able to walk into any state office or any Congressional office or speak to any Department Head or Elected Official as a strong advocate for our citizens. 2. Be a quick study - already steeped in community matters. 3. Have the ability to listen to and relate to the broad spectrum of our community -- to be a good steward of this community. 4. Be dedicated to quality of life consistent with our citizens' vision statement. 5. Be dedicated to maintaining families and diversity within our community. 6. Be dedicated to the protection of our natural environment. 7. Be fiscally responsible. 8. Support appropriate economic development that sustains our agriculture, forest, and marine resources. Myhr has been a property owner in the San Juans for nearly 40 years and a full-time resident of Lopez for the last 20 years. "I am dedicated to helping protect the special qualities of our islands and our island quality of life...not only on Lopez and District 3 but throughout San Juan County," said Myhr. He points out that his work in the county "has given me the opportunity to visit most of the islands--big and small--and meet and understand the interests and needs of islanders throughout San Juans." "I am ready, willing, and would be honored to serve the citizens of San Juan County," said Myhr in his statement to the Committee. Four candidates for Miller's seatposted 07/06/05
County commissioners Alan Lichter of Orcas Island and Kevin Ranker of San Juan Island will pick Miller's successor. San Juan County's Democratic Party can nominate up to three islanders for consideration. In the unlikely event Ranker and Lichter can not agree on a replacement, the Governor decides. Miller's position to be filled by District 3 Democratposted 06/15/05
County commissioners Alan Lichter of Orcas Island and Kevin Ranker of San Juan Island will pick a successor to Rhea Miller, who is resigning from the BOCC on July 31. San Juan County's Democratic Party can nominate up to three islanders for consideration. In the unlikely event Ranker and Lichter can not agree on a replacement, the Governor decides. The succussor will serve until the end of the year but the position will be placed on the ballot this fall. Any District 3 registered voter is eligible to run for the one-year term -- the position will be up for election again in the fall of 2006. Rhea Miller to resign BOCC after 10 yearsposted 06/14/05
"Life's opportunities do not always coincide with elected terms of office," Miller said in a statement released Monday, June 13. "I have been honored to serve in public office for 10 1/2 years. It's been an incredible experience. I have given it all I have to offer. I now need to take advantage of new opportunities coming my way." During her three terms as county commissioner the Lopez Island resident championed the islands' working class. "More than anything I have wanted to keep our communities healthy by supporting our working people, whether through resources for childcare and families, the owner-builder code, affordable housing, skate parks, the mobile processing unit, or water catchment. I have tried to listen and be fair, and yet make firm decisions - to hold the whole," she said. Miller will be leaving for New Zealand on Aug. 2 at the invitation of the Waitaha, an indigenous people of New Zealand. A New Zealand agency has offered her an expense-paid trip and honorarium in November to conduct workshops on affordable housing and alternative techniques on building. She will also be accompanying the Waitaha in the Americas at a date yet to be announced. Miller gained a national reputation for her work in making San Juan County the first jurisdiction to successfully ban personal watercraft. She has been recognized for her leadership on resource protection on "Good Morning America Sunday" and "CBS Sunday Morning." She was the keynote speaker for the national gathering of the Natural Resources Conservation Service in 1997. She serves as the Governor's appointee to the Puget Sound Council and served on the State and Federal Long Term Oil Spill Risk Management Panel. She was asked to testify for the Federal Ocean Commission and was a panelist at the Governor's Forum for a response to the Federal Ocean Commission Report. She has served on the Board of Directors for the North Sound Mental Health Administration for her 10 1/2 years and is proud to have succeeded in securing the Human Services Building in the former Windermere Building. She has also been the liaison for the county with the surrounding Tribes. Commissioner Miller recommends that the choice of her successor take into consideration several factors:
Miller expresses "deep gratitude" for her experience as an elected official in this "wonderful county" and is confident in the remaining BOCC members Kevin Ranker and Alan Lichter and the successor of their choice. |
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